12%
Denver was visibly stunned, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. The usual confidence in his eyes faded, like a wilted flower after frost &
“Who said I wouldn’t be open to another relationship?” I said softly. “Denver, I think… we can give it a try
He froze, staring at me in disbelief. Then, overcome with emotion, he gripped my hand tightly. Joy spread across his face as tears welled up and rolled down his cheeks.B
“Really? You’re not just saying that to comfort me? I mean… I would understand if you were.
“Feelings aren’t something to joke about. I mean it. I’m serious too.” I smiled.
And just like that, I entered a relationship with Denver.X
The very next morning, a ring appeared on my finger.
“I had this ring made for you five years ago,” Denver said as he gently slid it onto my hand. “I never thought I’d have the chance to put it on you myself. It feels like a dream.”
Then he clasped my hand between both of his and posted a photo of us on his social media, publicly announcing our relationship.
I shared the same photo on my page. Ten minutes later, a message from Winston popped on the screen of my phone.
[Bianca, we haven’t finalized the divorce yet, and you’re already flaunting an affair? Are you trying to humiliate me in front of everyone?]
[Sorry I didn’t consider your feelings. See you at the civil affairs bureau in five days. Once I have the divorce certificate. I’ll post it too–then no one will get the wrong idea.)
Right after I sent the message, my phone rang again–it was my father. No doubt Kiara had shown him the post. She was always his favorite, a few choice words from her, and I’d be blamed for everything, as usual.
I answered the call and sure enough, my father’s voice exploded through the receiver.
“You’re already a disgrace, but cheating while still married and posting it for the world to see? Have you no shame?!”
I laughed coldly B
“My mother had just passed when you moved Romina into the Reynolds family villa. Why weren’t you ashamed then? Kiara was already grown up, and you never cared how people saw you But when I get betrayed by Kiara and Winston, you say nothing to them–only criticize me. You don’t deserve to call yourself a father
Tears streamed down my face, but Denver wrapped his arms around me protectively, gently wiping them away.
My father didn’t care about a single word I said he just raged on, venting his frustration and defending Klara.
“You wench! You’ve destroyed the company, made me a laughingstock at the auction! We’re still scrambling to cover the payment, and now you’ve forced your sister and Winston to cough up money for the land. And now this! Posting your scandalous relationship online- haven’t you caused enough embarrassment for this family???
I was seething, ready to argue back when Denver quickly reached over and hung up the call. Then, without a word, he powered off my phone and knelt to meet my eyes.
“Your only focus now is recovering. Don’t let the people who hurt you continue to affect your health. I’m here–you don’t need to face this alone. They’re all bark and no bite.”8
The next day, seeing I was still upset, Denver took me out–shopping, eating my favorite foods, just to help me unwind.
By then, Winston and Kiara had left San Francisco.
To pay the auction debt, my father sold the family villa and part of the company’s equity.
When I received the contract transferring the company shares and real estate back to me, I couldn’t help but feel a strange twist of irony- after going around in circles, what was mine had finally returned to me.l
On the fifth day, I arrived at the civil affairs bureau right on time to finalize the divorce.
Denver and I waited for over an hour before Winston finally showed up–with Kiara by his side.!!
His face was pale and haggard, dark circles under his eyes. He looked completely drained–like someone whold aged ten years overnight.
Without a word, he followed me in and handed over all the documents, surprisingly prepared and compliant
I was just beginning to think the process would go smoothly–until he stopped at the signature line, his hand frozen mid–air, face twisted in pain.!
“Wait, Bianca…could you help the company? It’s barely holding on. If things keep going like this, it’ll be bankrupt in no time.”
“You mean,” I asked, stunned, “If I don’t help, you won’t sign the papers?”
The man before me was a far cry from the one used to know.!!
Kigra frowned and cut in sharply-
“You were the one who started this company. Are you really going to stand by and watch it collapse? Besides, now that you’ve made your relationship with Denver public, if the divorce doesn’t go through, that’s marital infidelity. We’ve got all the time in the world to drag this out in court. Let’s see how you explain that.”
I was so disgusted by their shamelessness that I signed my name without another word and slammed the pen down!
I stared at Winston, voice cold and calm.!
“You’re signing today. Period. You cheated. I gave you the company. And now you have the audacity to ask me for help? Fine. I’ll consider
t–but on one condition.”
7:11 AM &
His eyes flicked up.!!
“What condition?”
“I want the family heirloom ring. The one my father never intended to pass down to me. Tell him to hand it over.”
